High impact sports such as running appear to improve bone mineral density more than such sports as cycling, swimming, or rowing, according to a study conducted by the University of Missouri.

"Only the skeletal sites that experience increased stress from exercise will become stronger," according to Pam Hinton, associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at the university's College of Human Environmental Sciences.
Although previous studies on the effects of resistance training on men had produced varied results, the latest study revealed that such sports as running might have a greater positive effect on bone density.

The researchers studied the training effects on men aged between 19 and 45 years old.
The response of bone to loading is determined by the magnitude of the force, and the rate and direction at which it is applied. The researchers therefore advise multi-directional activities, including structured jump-training. Playing basketball, volleyball, or soccer were also good options, the researchers found.